Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · UNESCO Heritage Sites

4-Day Turkmenistan Tour with Darvaza Crater, Merv and Kunya Urgench

4 Days Round trip from Dashoguz Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Ashgabat's architectural marvels, including the Wedding Palace, Arch of Neutrality, and Constitution Monument
  • 02 Visit Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, one of the city's grandest places of worship
  • 03 Discover the elegance of Akhal-Teke horses at a traditional Turkmen horse farm
  • 04 Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Merv and tour the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Gyz Gala fortresses, and ancient ruins
  • 05 Journey through the Karakum Desert to witness the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater, burning for over 50 years
  • 06 Visit the historic city of Kunya Urgench with landmarks such as the Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum, and ancient Silk Road sites

Embark on a 4-day cultural and natural journey through Turkmenistan with Jahana Syýahat. Begin in Ashgabat, exploring iconic landmarks, mosques, and the legendary Akhal-Teke horse stables. Travel to the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic mausoleums and fortresses. Experience the surreal beauty of the Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert, camping under the stars in traditional yurts. Conclude your journey with a visit to Kunya Urgench, rich in Islamic architecture, before crossing the Shavat border into Uzbekistan.

Arrive at the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, a natural gas field that has been alight for over 50 years.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Ashgabat, Dasoguz, Kunya Urgench, Mari, Karakum Desert, Darvaza
Languages English, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Ashgabat and City Landmarks

  • Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport and receive a warm welcome from your local guide.
  • Transfer to the hotel and check in for rest and refreshment.

  • Visit the majestic Wedding Palace and the modern architecture of "Yyldyz" Hotel.

  • Explore the Constitution Monument and the Arch of Neutrality, key symbols of the Turkmen nation.

  • Walk through the Monument and Park of Independence, showcasing national heritage.

  • Tour the impressive Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Ashgabat.

  • Drive to a nearby horse farm to witness the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, with a chance to ride these elegant animals in traditional settings.

  • Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Ashgabat.

2
Day 02

Mary Excursion and Ancient Merv

  • Eat breakfast at the hotel and enjoy free time until noon.
  • Check out and drive to Mary, passing through desert landscapes and small towns.

  • Stop for lunch upon arrival in Mary.

  • Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Merv, once one of the great cities of the Islamic world.

  • Visit the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the architectural gem of the Seljuk Empire.

  • Explore the ruins of Small and Large Gyz Gala, ancient fortresses that once guarded the city.

  • Discover the mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zayd and various other remains, including the Keshk fortresses.

  • Drive back to Ashgabat in the evening and return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

3
Day 03

Darvaza Gas Crater and Desert Camp

  • Eat breakfast at the hotel and relax until noon.
  • Check out from the hotel and begin the drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (275 km, approx. 4 hours).

  • Pass through the Karakum Desert, one of Central Asia's most expansive arid zones.

  • Arrive at the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, a natural gas field that has been alight for over 50 years.

  • Explore the surrounding desert and visit nearby water and mud craters.

  • Experience nomadic life with fresh desert air and panoramic surroundings.

  • Settle into traditional Turkmen yurts or private tents for a night under the stars.

  • Enjoy a barbecue dinner beside the flaming crater and witness the surreal glow lighting up the desert night.

4
Day 04

Kunya Urgench and Border Crossing

  • Eat a picnic-style breakfast beside the crater.
  • Depart from Darvaza and drive north to the ancient city of Kunya Urgench (267 km, approx. 6 hours).

  • Visit the Portal of the Caravansaray, the historic entrance to the Silk Road trade route.

  • Explore the mausoleums of Il Arslan and Sultan Tekesh, notable leaders of Khorezm.

  • See the Academy of Horezm and the elegant Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of the tallest in Central Asia.

  • Visit the beautiful Turabek Hanum Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture.

  • Drive to Dashoguz and then proceed to the Shavat border (106 km, approx. 2 hours).

  • Cross into Uzbekistan and conclude your Turkmenistan journey.

Darvaza Gas Crater, Karakum Desert, Merv, Ashgabat

Where this trip takes you

Darvaza Gas Crater, Karakum Desert, Merv, Ashgabat

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Dashoguz 6 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Provide a Letter of Invitation (including State Registration and Travel Pass)
  • Offer accommodation in a single room for 2 nights

  • Include 1 night in a traditional yurt camp with sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, and lighting

  • Assign an English-speaking escort guide for the full duration of the tour

  • Arrange all transportation as per the itinerary using air-conditioned road vehicles

  • Cover entrance fees for all listed sites and attractions in the program

  • Provide daily breakfast during the tour

  • Supply 1.5 liters of still water per person per day

  • Include the mandatory travel tax

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Cost of Turkmen visa with border fees (70 - 130 USD)
  • PCR test
  • Photo and video fees at historical parks and in museums
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Medical insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Souvenirs and other personal items
  • All other charges and services not mentioned under "Included"

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Dashoguz, Turkmenistan
Tour start
Dashoguz, Turkmenistan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Dashoguz.

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Starting from

USD 650 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $650.00 — $900.00
Double Sharing $650.00

When

Travellers

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